How to Rake Leaves Safely
Raking leaves can be risky if you're not careful. But done safely, leaf raking is an aerobic activity that does not have to hurt. Start by making sure you're using the right rake. Your rake should be long enough that you do not have to bend uncomfortably to use it. If your rake is too long, you may accidentally trip yourself. Test the length. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Thick gloves
- Skid-resistant shoes
- Rake
- Plastic lawn waste bags or wheelbarrow
Instructions
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Stretch or warm up your muscles for at least 10 minutes before you begin raking. A simple stretch for your back is to extend your right arm over your head and reach to your left, stretching to the left until you feel the stretch along your right side. Repeat the same motion with your left arm extended over your head. Bend from the waist and touch your toes several times to stretch your back, and try several arm and shoulder rolls to loosen your arms.
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Wear gloves and appropriate shoes. Shoes with skid-resistant soles will help you to keep traction. Even dry leaves can slip and slide against each other, so make sure you are able to keep your footing. Gloves will help prevent blisters and protect against sharp sticks or thorns that may be in your leaves.
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Walk through your yard and pick up large debris before you start raking leaves. This saves you time while raking and removes anything that might trip you.
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Grip your rake firmly with a comfortable amount of space between your hands. Allowing some space provides better leverage and will allow the rake to do more of the actual work.
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Rake straight back toward your body instead of raking at an angle. Angling yourself causes you to twist in unnatural ways and strains your back and shoulders. Move with the rake instead of against it.
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Place the leaves and yard waste in plastic lawn bags. If you have decided to compost your leaves, consider using a wheelbarrow to transport them. Do not overfill either your bags or the wheelbarrow. You must be able to lift either when you are ready to move them.
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Keep your feet moving and vary the motions you make with your arms. Raking with the same movements can cause repetitive motion strain. Leaving your feet and legs stationary can cause strain on your back and legs.
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Stretch again when you have finished raking. Your muscles have worked hard and need time to loosen and cool down.
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Tips & Warnings
Drink plenty of water before and during your raking to prevent dehydration.
Don't overdo it. If you have too many leaves to rake at one time, break the leaf raking into several sessions.
If you experience sudden pain, consult your physician.
References
- Photo Credit rake with leaves image by Richard McGuirk from Fotolia.com
